Rating: 
Summary: Good Story
Review: This was my first Mosley novel and I really did enjoy it. It was very suspenseful with some interesting characters and a tense plot. Mosley was very descriptive in giving an account of 1950's L.A. and how racism wasn't just an affliction that affected the South or the Midwest. My only gripe was that there were too many characters to account for. It seemed like there was a new character introduced to the book every other page and I had to stop on many occasions and flip back a few pages to remind myself who the characters were. Overall, I'd recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Good Story
Review: This was my first Mosley novel and I really did enjoy it. It was very suspenseful with some interesting characters and a tense plot. Mosley was very descriptive in giving an account of 1950's L.A. and how racism wasn't just an affliction that affected the South or the Midwest. My only gripe was that there were too many characters to account for. It seemed like there was a new character introduced to the book every other page and I had to stop on many occasions and flip back a few pages to remind myself who the characters were. Overall, I'd recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Vintage Mosley
Review: Walter Mosley is the only "mystery" author that I read and I see why. He spins these tales with style and never ever makes a mistake with the time period. From language to cars to clothes he makes sure the time period is represented to the fullest. I love the Fearless Jones character and the Paris Minton character is such a coward that it actually is funny. Fear Itself yet another page turner in this series. I wish Mr. Mosley put out 4 books a year.
Rating:
Summary: Missing jewels, journals and the temptation of greed...
Review: Walter Mosley strikes again in his new thriller, Fear Itself, set in 1955 Watts, only ten years before the Watts Riots, when the frustrated citizens react to ongoing police brutality by demonstrating their outrage, the result a conflagration that almost destroys the city in the process. In 1955, things are still quiet, although the inhabitants of this Los Angeles suburb are cautious in the extreme in any encounters with the white man. The people of Watts understand that there are severe consequences for every action, generally circumspect in public behavior, avoiding unnecessary conflict with those in authority. Every Sunday, the churches ring with song when parishioners sing of deliverance and redemption. Enter Paris Minton, a used bookstore owner and admitted coward, mostly content to remain ensconced within his world of words. When Fearless Jones coming knocking one night, asking for help in tracking down Kit Mitchell, Paris happily agrees. He has his reasons. For one thing, the usually timid Paris is imbued with a sense of empowerment in the presence of Fearless, an ex-soldier capable of expedient violence, but restrained by common sense and integrity. Fearless' physical prowess ensures Paris' safety, having come in handy on more than one occasion. Something about his friend allows the usually timid Paris to stand a little taller, a bit more of a man. The police have Fearless in their sights, for "questioning", so Paris does the footwork necessary to unravel the mystery, secure in the knowledge that Fearless is close behind. As their search for Mitchell progresses, Paris' personal danger increases and dead bodies cause unwanted complications in unraveling the mystery. At the heart of it all: a stolen heirloom, a priceless slave journal and enough money to attract crooks from miles around. Mosley's multi-layered plot abounds with unpredictable twists and turns. The author's particular appeal lies in the lively dialog of a fabulous assortment of eccentric characters. Paris' literate approach balances perfectly with Fearless' street-wise charm, allowing the well-educated Paris an adventurous romp on the dark side of the street. The inspired pairing of the intrepid Fearless Jones and the refined demeanor of Paris Minton, will doubtless garner even more Mosley fans, as they anticipate the next adventure of the unlikely duo. Luan Gaines/2003.
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